He sat for a few minutes silent, in order to allow the prospect of imprisonment and disgrace to produce its full effect.

Then he continued in a milder voice, "I do not wish to be severe upon such very young officers, and will therefore point out a way by which you may avoid the imprisonment and disgrace which your conduct has merited, and be enabled still to enjoy your freedom as before." "What is it ?" Dick asked briefly.
"It is this," the governor said.

"I have here before me," and he touched some documents lying on the table, "a report which I am about to forward to the Czar respecting Count Preskoff.

The report is not altogether favorable, for the count is a man of what are called advanced opinions.

He has curious ideas as to the treatment of serfs, and has, no doubt, in your hearing expressed himself favorable to their emancipation." The boys were silent.
"He has, I doubt not, done so, for he is rash and open of speech.